Polaroid Land Camera Automatic 100 Appraisal

Polaroid Land Camera Automatic 100

This is a vintage Polaroid Land Camera Automatic 100, the first model in the 100-400 series of folding pack film cameras produced between 1963 and 1966. The camera features a distinctive folding bellows design housed within a rugged metal body with a textured black finish and a gray faceplate. It is equipped with a three-element glass lens and a transistorized electronic shutter system, which was revolutionary for its time, allowing for automatic exposure control. The top of the unit features a separate rangefinder/viewfinder assembly made by Zeiss Ikon, known for precision optics. Notable text includes 'LAND CAMERA', 'AUTOMATIC 100', and the iconic 'POLAROID' branding across the lower front plate. The camera retains its original leather carrying strap, which shows visible signs of aging and cracking. The metal housing displays typical patina and light surface wear consistent with mid-century use, though the bellows appear intact from this angle. It is hinged to a protective black hard-shell cover. The interior and lens seem relatively clean, though functionality would require a discontinued battery type and specialized instant pack film. This specific model holds historical significance as the flagship of Polaroid's professional-grade folding cameras during the Edwin Land era.